Current Session: September 2024
Beginning Dog Training Classes
The Beginner obedience classes are held at the IDTC Training Space at The Shops at Ithaca Mall and are open to the general public. The normal progression through the classes is Puppy (if age appropriate), Beginner 1, Beyond Beginner 1, Beginner 2, CGC.
If you want to check whether classes are full, or have other questions about the registration process, please contact the Registrar, Marian Szebenyi.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
If you want to check whether classes are full, or have other questions about the registration process, please contact the Registrar, Marian Szebenyi.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
AKC STAR Puppy / Tuesdays @ 10AM & Thursdays @ 6:15pm - FULL
Tuesdays @ 10am - FULL
Instructor Cheryl Runion; Assistant Lucille Straub 8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks Starts September 3 ** Puppies 5-9 months should sign up for this section. |
Thursdays @ 6:15pm - FULL
Instructor Stephanie Vonderlin, Assistants Marlene Barken & Gail Steinhart 8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks Starts September 5 ** Puppies 3-6 months should sign up for this section. |
Get your puppy started off on the right paw! This class is for puppies 3-6 months of age. The class will follow the AKC S.T.A.R. puppy curriculum focusing on socialization, training, activity, and responsibility. Puppies will learn basic skills through positive training and games. Handlers will also learn how to properly reward their dogs, troubleshoot problem behaviors, and age-appropriate activity and socialization routines for their puppy.
Skills covered include:
- Basic manners
- Attention,
- Leash walking
- Handling/grooming
- Sit
- Down
Requirements:
- This is an introductory class, no prior training is necessary.
- Puppies must be 3-9 months of age at the start of the session.
- Puppies must have age appropriate vaccinations per their vet’s recommendations.
- If students want the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy certification, they will need to pass the evaluation and attend at least 6 of the classes.
Beginner 1 / Wednesdays @ 7:30PM - FULL
Instructor Marian Szebenyi; Assistants Denise Moore and Tracy Stokol
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts September 4
Not sure where to begin to teach your dog new things? Start here! Beginner 1 is for puppies 6 months and up and adult dogs (no upper age limit) with no previous formal training. This class will introduce dogs to basic manners and self-control. Handlers will be introduced to effective canine communication, including rewarding and leash handling, and how to troubleshoot undesirable behaviors.
Skills covered include:
After successful completion of Beginner 1, dogs should move to Beyond Beginner 1.
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts September 4
Not sure where to begin to teach your dog new things? Start here! Beginner 1 is for puppies 6 months and up and adult dogs (no upper age limit) with no previous formal training. This class will introduce dogs to basic manners and self-control. Handlers will be introduced to effective canine communication, including rewarding and leash handling, and how to troubleshoot undesirable behaviors.
Skills covered include:
- Attention
- Sit
- Down
- Loose leash walking
- Recall
- Wait at a door
- Stay
- This is an introductory class, no prior training is required.
- Dogs should be at least 6 months old at the start of class.
- Dogs must have rabies vaccination and other age appropriate vaccinations per their vet’s recommendations.
- Please note: IDTC can not accept aggressive or reactive dogs in our classes.
After successful completion of Beginner 1, dogs should move to Beyond Beginner 1.
Beyond Beginner 1 / Thursdays @ 5pm - FULL
Instructor Jo Ann Molnar-Kieffer; Assistants Kathy Hughes, Sabrina Schimmelfing
8 dogs; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts 5
Beyond Beginner 1 is a stepping stone class for dogs who recently graduated from Beginner 1 or Puppy Beginner before entering Beginner 2. The exercises begun in Beginner 1 will be solidified and made more challenging through distractions, new variations, and fun games. We will also add some skills like stand and heeling that have practical application and prepare you for more advanced training.
Beyond Beginner 1 is geared to help you and your dogs improve your skills and confidence in the following areas:
Requirements:
After successful completion of Beginner 1, dogs move to Beyond Beginner 1 for more practice before going on to Beginner 2.
8 dogs; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts 5
Beyond Beginner 1 is a stepping stone class for dogs who recently graduated from Beginner 1 or Puppy Beginner before entering Beginner 2. The exercises begun in Beginner 1 will be solidified and made more challenging through distractions, new variations, and fun games. We will also add some skills like stand and heeling that have practical application and prepare you for more advanced training.
Beyond Beginner 1 is geared to help you and your dogs improve your skills and confidence in the following areas:
- Attention/focus
- Wait/ stay
- Recall
- Loose leash walking
- Being calm and comfortable around other dogs and people
Requirements:
- Dogs need to have successfully completed Beyond Beginner 1, or taken Puppy Beginner or Beginner 1 and been recommended by the Instructor. If you have had equivalent training elsewhere, please contact the Training Director for a placement evaluation.
- Dogs should be at least 6 months old at the start of class.
- Dogs must have rabies vaccination and other age appropriate vaccinations per their vet’s recommendations.
- Please note: IDTC can not accept aggressive or reactive dogs in our classes.
After successful completion of Beginner 1, dogs move to Beyond Beginner 1 for more practice before going on to Beginner 2.
Beginner 2 / wednesdays @ 6:15pm - FULL
Instructor Ellie O'Connor; Assistant Jackie Gumtow
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts September 11
In Beginner 2, you will build on the training and skills started in Beginner 1, Beyond Beginner 1, or Puppy Beginner to improve reliability and precision. Sit and down will be taught without lures, and at both the left side and in front of the handler, and stand will be introduced. Changes of pace and left, right, and about turns will be added to left-side loose leash walking. Distractions and distance will be added to recalls. Sit for exam and other new skills will be introduced.
Requirements:
After successful completion of Beginner 2, dogs may continue on to Canine Good Citizen or other members-only classes.
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts September 11
In Beginner 2, you will build on the training and skills started in Beginner 1, Beyond Beginner 1, or Puppy Beginner to improve reliability and precision. Sit and down will be taught without lures, and at both the left side and in front of the handler, and stand will be introduced. Changes of pace and left, right, and about turns will be added to left-side loose leash walking. Distractions and distance will be added to recalls. Sit for exam and other new skills will be introduced.
Requirements:
- Dogs need to have successfully completed Beyond Beginner 1, or taken Puppy Beginner or Beginner 1 and been recommended by the Instructor. If you have had equivalent training elsewhere, please contact the Training Director for a placement evaluation.
- Dogs should be at least 6 months old at the start of class.
- Dogs must have rabies vaccination and other age appropriate vaccinations per their vet’s recommendations.
- Please note: IDTC can not accept aggressive or reactive dogs in our classes.
After successful completion of Beginner 2, dogs may continue on to Canine Good Citizen or other members-only classes.
Beyond beginner 2: Shaping! / Mondays @ 5pm - FULL
Instructor Deb Watrous; Assistant Lisa D'Annibale
8 teams; 1 hour; 6 weeks
Starts September 16
**No dogs week 1, handlers only!**
In this class, students will take their training to the next level by learning to teach new behaviors through shaping. Students will continue to practice skills such as loose leash walking, stay, place, and sit for exam, while playing games to improve attention, communication, and response to commands. Students will leave this class ready for CGC class and beyond.
Shaping involves breaking down a complex behavior into simple steps using a specific word or noise to mark a correct answer. The dog is rewarded at each step, which encourages them to repeat the behavior and offer new behaviors. Shaping is a useful tool to teach new, complex behaviors, improve connection and communication between dog and handler, and help dogs feel successful and enjoy learning.
Clickers will be provided to students in this class.
Requirements:
8 teams; 1 hour; 6 weeks
Starts September 16
**No dogs week 1, handlers only!**
In this class, students will take their training to the next level by learning to teach new behaviors through shaping. Students will continue to practice skills such as loose leash walking, stay, place, and sit for exam, while playing games to improve attention, communication, and response to commands. Students will leave this class ready for CGC class and beyond.
Shaping involves breaking down a complex behavior into simple steps using a specific word or noise to mark a correct answer. The dog is rewarded at each step, which encourages them to repeat the behavior and offer new behaviors. Shaping is a useful tool to teach new, complex behaviors, improve connection and communication between dog and handler, and help dogs feel successful and enjoy learning.
Clickers will be provided to students in this class.
Requirements:
- Dogs must be working at at least a Beginner 2 level.
- It’s helpful if dogs are food motivated, but all teams entering with an open mind ready to play with their dogs will be successful!
Intermediate Classes Open to Members & Non-Members
These classes are open to both members and non-members. Non-members must have successfully completed Beginner Classes through at least Beginner 2 with IDTC.
Preference is given to club members if they sign up within the first hour. Register using the link above, you will be asked to provide vaccination information as an attachment and pay the fee ($110 for non-members, $40 for active members, $90 for inactive members) by check. Members may pay by PayPal.
If you want to check whether classes are full, or have other questions about the application process, please contact the Registrar, Marian Szebenyi.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
Preference is given to club members if they sign up within the first hour. Register using the link above, you will be asked to provide vaccination information as an attachment and pay the fee ($110 for non-members, $40 for active members, $90 for inactive members) by check. Members may pay by PayPal.
If you want to check whether classes are full, or have other questions about the application process, please contact the Registrar, Marian Szebenyi.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
Canine good citizen / tuesdays @ 6:15pm
Instructor: Suzanne Etherington; Assistant: Eglantina Lucio-Belbase
8 teams; 1 hour; 6 weeks
Starts September 3
Preparation for the AKC Canine Good Citizen test, which will be given at the end of this class. Open to members, as well as non-members who have completed Beginner II.
8 teams; 1 hour; 6 weeks
Starts September 3
Preparation for the AKC Canine Good Citizen test, which will be given at the end of this class. Open to members, as well as non-members who have completed Beginner II.
Therapy Dog For Cornell Companions / Wednesdays @ 5pm - FULL
Instructor: Janet Gray, Assistant: Jean Snow
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts September 4
Cornell Companions is Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine sponsored program where volunteers and their pets visit local hospitals, nursing homes, campus de-stress events, children with disabilities and reading programs. This course will help prepare humans and their dogs for the Cornell Companions therapy dog evaluation. Teams signing up for this class should be committed to becoming a therapy dog team and taking part in regular Cornell Companions visits. Prior to enrolling, please read the program FAQs or reach out to Janet Gray with any questions.
Skills covered include:
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts September 4
Cornell Companions is Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine sponsored program where volunteers and their pets visit local hospitals, nursing homes, campus de-stress events, children with disabilities and reading programs. This course will help prepare humans and their dogs for the Cornell Companions therapy dog evaluation. Teams signing up for this class should be committed to becoming a therapy dog team and taking part in regular Cornell Companions visits. Prior to enrolling, please read the program FAQs or reach out to Janet Gray with any questions.
Skills covered include:
- Loose leash walking
- Sit, Down
- Stay, Recall
- Walking through a crowd
- Neutral reaction to other dogs
- Ignoring food distractions and dropped items
- Reacting calmly to wheelchairs, crutches, etc that may be encountered during visits
- Calm and positive interactions with humans, especially children
- It is strongly advised that dogs have Beginner 1 or Beginner 2 or equivalent training before entering this class. Open to IDTC members and non-members.
- Dogs must be at least one year old and been owned by the current owner for at least 6 months.
- Dogs must have rabies vaccination and other age appropriate vaccinations per their vet’s recommendations to take part in class. Additionally:
- A health evaluation, including fecal examination, and vaccination records will need to be submitted as part of the process to become a Cornell Companion.
- Please note: Dogs being fed a raw diet are not currently eligible to be part of Cornell Companions.
Conformation handling / Tuesdays @ 7:30pm - FULL
Instructors: Diane Krause & Stephanie Krause
8 teams; 45 minutes; 6 weeks
Starts September 3
This class will teach you how to train and present (handle) your dog in the show ring. Stacking, baiting, gaiting, and ring procedure will be stressed. All levels welcome.
Priority will be given to those planning to show in the breed ring.
Requirements:
8 teams; 45 minutes; 6 weeks
Starts September 3
This class will teach you how to train and present (handle) your dog in the show ring. Stacking, baiting, gaiting, and ring procedure will be stressed. All levels welcome.
Priority will be given to those planning to show in the breed ring.
Requirements:
- Dogs must be at least 14 weeks old and have age appropriate vaccinations.
- Handlers must be IDTC members.
FIT DOG 3 / Tuesdays @ 5pm
Instructor Becky Robinson; Assistant Lynne Wilkes
8 teams; 1 hour; 6 weeks
Starts September 3
The AKC FIT DOG Level Three course is designed to inspire dog owners to engage in fitness-related activities with their dogs. Learning new exercises will challenge the dogs mentally, build confidence, and enhance proprioception. At the end of class, teams can earn an AKC Fit Dog Gold Title.
This class builds off the skills learned in Level 2 Fit Dog. Skills covered include:
Requirements:
For Members or Non-Members
8 teams; 1 hour; 6 weeks
Starts September 3
The AKC FIT DOG Level Three course is designed to inspire dog owners to engage in fitness-related activities with their dogs. Learning new exercises will challenge the dogs mentally, build confidence, and enhance proprioception. At the end of class, teams can earn an AKC Fit Dog Gold Title.
This class builds off the skills learned in Level 2 Fit Dog. Skills covered include:
- All Four Paws On
- Figure Eights Around Cones
- Bow to Stand
- Spin Left/ Spin Right on Balance Equipment
- Pivot to Sidestepping
- Tuck Sit to Kick Back Stand
- Elevated Nose Touch on Balance Equipment
- Sidestepping
- Rear Limb Stretch
- Down -Stand – Down on Balance Equipment
- Ipsilateral Target
Requirements:
- Must have completed Fit Dog 2 class.
For Members or Non-Members
Advanced Obedience Classes
The Advanced Obedience classes are held at the IDTC Training Space at The Shops at Ithaca Mall and are open to members only. If you want to check whether classes are full, or have other questions about the registration process, please contact the Registrar, Marian Szebenyi. If you want to inquire about drop-in availablity, please contact the instructor.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
There are no advanced obedience classes scheduled this session.
Agility Classes
Agility classes are open to club members. Classes are held at the IDTC Training Space at The Shops at Ithaca Mall unless noted below. If you want to check whether classes are full, or have other questions about the registration process, please contact the Registrar, Linda Pacioretty. If you want to inquire about drop-in availablity, please contact the instructor.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
Agility 1 / Sundays @ 12:30pm - FULL
Instructor: Tammy Osmeloski, Assistant: TBD
6 teams; 1.5 hours; 6 weeks
Starts
Agility 1 is intended for dogs new to agility, while handlers may be new or have experience with previous dogs. Dogs will be introduced to the different types of agility jumps (regular, double, triple, broad, high), tunnels, table, and start learning to navigate the teeter, dog walk, and A frame. Weaves will be mentioned, but not taught as a dedicated weave class is best to make progress. Handlers will be introduced to the rules of CPE agility and learn about agility trials.
Students signing up for this class should plan to commit to both the September and November sessions to reach an intermediate level with the same instructors.
Requirements:
6 teams; 1.5 hours; 6 weeks
Starts
Agility 1 is intended for dogs new to agility, while handlers may be new or have experience with previous dogs. Dogs will be introduced to the different types of agility jumps (regular, double, triple, broad, high), tunnels, table, and start learning to navigate the teeter, dog walk, and A frame. Weaves will be mentioned, but not taught as a dedicated weave class is best to make progress. Handlers will be introduced to the rules of CPE agility and learn about agility trials.
Students signing up for this class should plan to commit to both the September and November sessions to reach an intermediate level with the same instructors.
Requirements:
- Dogs must have taken classes to at least a CGC level and/or passed a CGC test. IE it is acceptable to take the class and fail the test, or to not take the class but pass the test.
- Dogs should have a solid stay and recall off-leash in an exciting environment.
Int/Adv Skills & Drills / Mondays @ 6:30pm - FULL
Instructor Sue Yanoff
6 teams; 1.5 hours; 6 weeks
Starts September 9, no class October 7
In Skills and Drills, we will be analyzing and running short sequences of 4-6 obstacles. These sequences will challenge the handler to consider and try various handling techniques. This class will have intermediate/advanced nested skill-- anyone with Agility 2 skills and above is welcome!
Requirements:
6 teams; 1.5 hours; 6 weeks
Starts September 9, no class October 7
In Skills and Drills, we will be analyzing and running short sequences of 4-6 obstacles. These sequences will challenge the handler to consider and try various handling techniques. This class will have intermediate/advanced nested skill-- anyone with Agility 2 skills and above is welcome!
Requirements:
- Dogs need to be quiet when it is not their turn in the ring, enter and exit the ring under control, and have a solid stay and off-leash recall in an exciting environment.
- This class will have intermediate/advanced nested skills. Teams with skills equivalent to at least an Agility 2 level (found on page 2 here) may join.
Other Classes, Workshops & Seminars
Sometimes IDTC offers classes for members that don't fit in one of the above categories. Check here for offerings that may include nosework, happy ratters, parkour, fit dog, and more!
Single day workshops, seminars, and training sessions will be listed here as well.
Please read the information below carefully as these offerings may have different requirements, locations, or registration process.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
Single day workshops, seminars, and training sessions will be listed here as well.
Please read the information below carefully as these offerings may have different requirements, locations, or registration process.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
Group Class Prep for Dogs with Big Feelings / Fridays @ 5pm
Instructors: Jean Bonasera and Martha Goelzer
4 teams; 1hour; 7 weeks
The primary goal of the class is to give dogs an opportunity to habituate to the IDTC training space in a non-stressful way so that they will be comfortable in a group class situation and able to focus on and easily reorient to their handlers in the training space. More generally, the class is designed to strengthen a dog's ability to stay attuned to his or her handler while working on leash around other dogs. We aim to always keep the dogs in the class under threshold and only gradually introduce the presence of other dogs, beginning with neutral dogs.
We will focus on exercises from Suzanne Clothier’s “Skills for Reactive Dogs” and Leslie McDevitt’s “Control Unleashed”. The first class will be a handlers only class, then for each of the 4 weeks following we will work with 2 of the four teams in the class, alternating pairs. During each of those weeks new exercises will be introduced. The other handlers will observe and help with feedback of the working teams and may also have a chance to practice the mechanics of new skills with one of our neutral dogs. On the 6th and 7th week, we will orchestrate having the 4 dog/handler teams together in the space and use distance and gating to help keep dogs under threshold as we work through skills together.
We will not be working with dogs that are aggressive to dogs or people. Dogs should be comfortable in a crate for 15 minutes at a time. Please contact Jean ([email protected]) and Martha ([email protected]) if you have questions or are interested in participating.
4 teams; 1hour; 7 weeks
The primary goal of the class is to give dogs an opportunity to habituate to the IDTC training space in a non-stressful way so that they will be comfortable in a group class situation and able to focus on and easily reorient to their handlers in the training space. More generally, the class is designed to strengthen a dog's ability to stay attuned to his or her handler while working on leash around other dogs. We aim to always keep the dogs in the class under threshold and only gradually introduce the presence of other dogs, beginning with neutral dogs.
We will focus on exercises from Suzanne Clothier’s “Skills for Reactive Dogs” and Leslie McDevitt’s “Control Unleashed”. The first class will be a handlers only class, then for each of the 4 weeks following we will work with 2 of the four teams in the class, alternating pairs. During each of those weeks new exercises will be introduced. The other handlers will observe and help with feedback of the working teams and may also have a chance to practice the mechanics of new skills with one of our neutral dogs. On the 6th and 7th week, we will orchestrate having the 4 dog/handler teams together in the space and use distance and gating to help keep dogs under threshold as we work through skills together.
We will not be working with dogs that are aggressive to dogs or people. Dogs should be comfortable in a crate for 15 minutes at a time. Please contact Jean ([email protected]) and Martha ([email protected]) if you have questions or are interested in participating.
Tracking Clinic with Ruth vaughan
Tracking Clinic with Ruth Vaughan, Tracking Judge and Clinician
September 14 & 15th
9am to ~3:30pm each day
Day 1: Foundation Work and Intro to Tracking
12 working spots
Unlimited auditors
Day 2: Advanced Work
Dogs should already have a tracking title and are training for advanced title(s)
12 working spots
Unlimited auditors
Registration Dates:
Registration period for IDTC members: July 25th through August 10th.
Registration period for non-members: August 12th through August 31st.
Please see attachments below for full details and registration information
September 14 & 15th
9am to ~3:30pm each day
Day 1: Foundation Work and Intro to Tracking
12 working spots
Unlimited auditors
Day 2: Advanced Work
Dogs should already have a tracking title and are training for advanced title(s)
12 working spots
Unlimited auditors
Registration Dates:
Registration period for IDTC members: July 25th through August 10th.
Registration period for non-members: August 12th through August 31st.
Please see attachments below for full details and registration information
Please note that IDTC is unable to accept aggressive or reactive dogs in our classes. If you are concerned that your dog is aggressive or reactive to people or other dogs, please ask your vet for a referral to a certified animal behaviorist.